Abstract
Hydraulic shock suppressors (snubbers) are used in dynamic restraints to prevent piping systems and equipment from occasional loads such as turbine trips, sudden valve closures, and seismic events. An occasional load can be defined as an impact load where forces and moments are applied over very short periods of time. The current study is a continuation of a published study on snubbers experiencing high frequency vibrations. The previous study concluded that snubbers should not be used in high frequency vibratory environments due to deterioration in the quality of hydraulic fluid and an increase in wear on snubber components. The present study takes a closer look at heat energy added to the system due to such high frequency vibrations. The power delivered by a typical vibration observed in an industrial piping system is calculated and assumed to enter into the snubber fluid as heat. This is modeled using a thermal finite element simulation and the resulting thermal distribution pattern, within the snubber body, is produced. Also, a separate analysis is performed in order to get a thermal distribution pattern on a snubber due to an increase in the environmental temperature. This distribution pattern is then compared with the one obtained from an internal heat source. The study is performed using computational methods in conjunction with analytical methods to determine if heat energy is the main cause of snubber fluid deterioration.